Driver sitting position controlled vehicle collision avoidance

ABSTRACT

A vehicle collision avoidance system has a camera disposed on a vehicle and arranged to monitor at least one collision prone region adjacent to the vehicle; a sensor positioned within the vehicle and arranged to determine a driver&#39;s head position relative to a designated point in the vehicle; a display disposed in view of the driver and coupled to the camera; and a controller configured to control operation of the sensor, the camera and the display. The controller activates the display and the camera to display the at least one collision prone region adjacent to the vehicle when the sensor detects that the driver&#39;s head is beyond a threshold distance from the designated point.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 62/508,678, filed May 19, 2017 and 62/536,488, filedJul. 25, 2017, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle collision avoidancesystems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehiclecollision avoidance system providing front blind spot assistance andrearview parking assistance.

Description of the Related Art

Due to the general shape of most automobiles, trucks, heavy machinery,ships, etc., significant blind spots exist for the driver. For example,the driver is generally positioned several feet behind the front bumperof the vehicle in order to accommodate the engine compartment. However,positioning the driver away from the front of the vehicle creates asituation where the driver needs to advance the front portion of thevehicle into an intersection in order to observe oncoming traffic beforeproceeding across the intersection.

As shown in FIG. 9 representing the prior art, the driver of movingvehicle 901 must move into the intersection 903 in order to have a lineof sight 905 that clears a parked vehicle 907. However, in moving intothe intersection 903, the driver exposes a significant portion of thefront end of the moving vehicle 901 to oncoming traffic. In thissituation the moving vehicle 901 risks a collision with an oncomingvehicle if the driver of the oncoming vehicle is distracted or otherwiseunable to swerve around the moving vehicle 901.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure provides safety and eliminates the stress of the driverallowing him to judge when it is the right time to cross a junction orenter a street with limited side visibility, by enhancing driver'sawareness with automation.

An object of the present disclosure is to mitigate the danger of acollision between a vehicle entering an intersection and oncomingtraffic.

Another object of the present disclosure is to facilitate reverseparking maneuvers with a vehicle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to facilitate reversedriving maneuvers with a vehicle.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle collision avoidancesystem having: a camera disposed on a vehicle and arranged to monitor atleast one collision prone region adjacent to the vehicle; a sensorpositioned within the vehicle and arranged to determine a driver's headposition relative to a designated point in the vehicle; a displaydisposed in view of the driver, the display coupled to the camera; and acontroller configured to control operation of the sensor, the camera andthe display. The controller activates the display and the camera todisplay the at least one collision prone region adjacent to the vehiclewhen the sensor detects that the driver's head is beyond a thresholddistance from the designated point.

Additionally, the camera is a wide field of view camera disposed on arear area of the vehicle and arranged to image an area near a rearbumper and a portion of the bumper of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a normal field of viewcamera is disposed on a rear area of the vehicle and arranged to imagean area behind the vehicle, the normal field of view camera beingcoupled to the display and operationally controlled by the controller.

The normal field of view camera and the wide field of view camera areprovided in a single camera with a field of view adjustable by thecontroller.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle collisionavoidance system has an electronically adjustable side-view mirror. Theside-view mirror is controllably adjusted by the controller in responseto the driver's head position. One or more side-view mirrorscontrollably adjustable by the controller may be provided on thevehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera is disposed at aforward area of the vehicle and arranged to image a region encompassingboth sides of the vehicle forward of a front of the vehicle.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle collision avoidancemethod for a motor vehicle. The method includes the steps of: detectinga body movement by a driver; evaluating the body movement to determineif the body movement exceeds a threshold distance; and activating acollision avoidance process when the body movement exceeds the thresholddistance. The body movement is a forward-leaning movement, and thethreshold distance is measured from a driver's seat headrest.

Additionally, the collision avoidance process also includes the steps:detecting whether the motor vehicle is in a forward gear; activating afront-view camera when the motor vehicle is in neutral or a forwardgear; and transmitting a video signal from the front-view camera to adisplay viewable by the driver. The front-view camera has at least a180° field of view forward of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, thefront-view camera includes a plurality of cameras configured to providethe 180° field of view.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a collision avoidanceprocess that includes the steps: detecting whether the motor vehicle isin a reverse gear; activating a rear-view camera when the motor vehicleis in a reverse gear; and transmitting a video signal from the rear-viewcamera to a display viewable by the driver. The rear-view camera isconfigured to provide a view behind the motor vehicle.

The embodiment further includes the steps: processing the video signalsto provide a normal field of view to the driver when the body motion isless than the threshold distance and greater than a second thresholddistance; and processing the video signals to provide a wide field ofview to the driver when the body motion exceeds the threshold distance.

Additionally, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes adjustingone or more side-view mirrors to provide a rear parking view to thedriver when the body motion exceeds the threshold distance; andadjusting the side-view mirror to provide a normal driving view to thedriver when the body motion is less that the threshold distance andgreater than the second threshold distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side-view mirror of a vehicle adjusted for driving,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side-view mirror of a vehicle adjust for viewingobstacles during reverse driving/parking, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a vehicle interior showing a driver positioned fordriving, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle interior showing a driver in a lean-forwardposition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of a vehicle exterior, in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate rear-view parking camera views, in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a vehicle entering an intersection, in accordancewith the prior art;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a vehicle exterior, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a vehicle entering an intersection, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a process in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a block representation of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure includes two main components, which combine toprovide a comprehensive collision avoidance system. The Forward BlindSpot Assistance component reduces the risk of collision while a driveris attempting to traverse an intersection. Additionally, the Rear ViewParking Assistance component allows drivers to safely maneuver a vehiclein reverse, whether for the purpose of backing into a parking spot,parallel parking, or reversing out of a parking spot. While embodimentsdescribed herein refer to collision avoidance systems that include boththe Forward Blind Spot Assistance component and the Rear View ParkingAssistance component, one of ordinary skill in the art may readilyimplement either component individually without departing from theintent of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a vehicle collision avoidance systemaccording to the present disclosure. The vehicle collision avoidancesystem includes a controller 1502 configured to control the varioussensors, cameras, motors and display as well as execute a vehiclecollision avoidance method, as described herein below. Additionally, thesystem shown in FIG. 15 includes at least one position sensor 1504, atleast one speed sensor 1506, and at least one gear sensor 1510 coupledto the controller 1502. The controller 1502 is also coupled to a display1512 that is configured to switchably display video imaged by at leastone forward camera 1514, at least one rear camera (Wide-view) 1516 andat least one rear camera (Normal-view) 1518. Additionally, thecontroller 1502 is coupled to side-view mirror adjustment motors 1520.Further, the system shown in FIG. 15 is equipped with a battery 1522configured to provide energizing power to the various componentsdescribed above.

The rear camera (Wide-view) 1516 is configured and oriented to image aclose in region to the rear bumper as well as imaging the entire lengthof the rear bumper. In order to accomplish this, the rear camera(Wide-view) 1516 is angled at a downward angle of 45°±10°. At thisangle, the driver receives a nearly top-down view near the bumper thatallows for closer approaches to obstacles. The driver can safely comevery close (few inches) to other cars or obstacles without risk. Thewide view helps the driver while exiting a parking place in reversegear. If other cars or buildings are blocking the driver's view, theclose view wide angle camera shows everything that lies on the right andleft side behind the car.

The rear camera (Normal-view) 1518 provides a rearward view similar tothe view a driver would have by turning to look rearward or if thedriver looked at a rearview mirror.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the position sensor 1504 may includea calibration feature that may be hardware implemented, such as withpotentiometers, or software implement, such that the controller providesthe driver with a calibration interface on the display 1512. Thecalibration feature allows the driver to fine tune the position sensor1504 so that the position sensor 1504 properly interprets the driver'sintentions.

Moreover, the system shown in FIG. 15 may include one or more accessoryports (not shown) coupled to the controller 1502. The accessory portprotocol may be selected, for example, from USB, serial, IEEE 1394(i.e., Firewire), IEEE 802.3af (i.e., Power over Ethernet), IEEE802.11-2016 (i.e., Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Thunderbolt, or a combination ofthese interfaces. The one or more accessory ports are coupled to thecontroller 1502 such that the controller 1502 can control accessorydevices connected by way of the accessory port based on the driver'smovements.

Thus, when the position sensor 1504 is an image sensor and thecontroller 1502 is configured to apply a “body language” decipheringalgorithm to the driver's motion patterns and gestures, the controller1504 will be able to provide additional functionality based on thedriver's movements and gestures, and the accessory devices connectedthrough the accessory ports.

Forward Blind Spot Assistance (FBSA)

The present disclosure provides the driver of the vehicle with a clearand expanded visual field of moving objects in intersections, withouthaving to enter the intersection.

Many drivers face difficulty when crossing an intersection or exiting aparking spot, due to parked vehicles, walls, big objects or trafficblocking the driver's view. Consequently, a driver will need to enterthe intersection to have better visibility. However, by increasing thedriver's visibility along the intersection, the driver exposes asignificant portion of the front of the vehicle to oncoming traffic.This could potentially lead to an accident as oncoming traffic may nothave time and space to avoid the front of the vehicle intending to crossthe intersection (See: FIG. 9).

FIG. 11 is a detailed enlargement of the driver's optical field on bothsides of the intersection as the vehicle enters the intersection. Byplacing one or more cameras at the front end of a vehicle 1101, thedriver will have an expansive, at least 180°, viewing angle 1103 withinan intersection 903 without the vehicle 1101 having to enter theintersection 903 or proceed beyond parked vehicles 907. Consequently,the driver is at a significantly reduced risk of collision with oncomingtraffic.

The present disclosure utilizes a driver's natural movement to leanforward in order to achieve a better view of the obstacles to triggerthe operation of the vehicle collision avoidance system, i.e. theForward Blind Spot Assistance system and the Rear View ParkingAssistance system. Depending on whether the vehicle is in neutral,forward gear, or reverse gear will determine whether the presentdisclosure will activate the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system or theRear View Parking Assistance system once the driver has leaned forwardby a predetermined amount.

The present disclosure consists of a camera system, which enlarges thedriver's front visual field and a controller that activates the systemby receiving signals by one or more sensors placed on the driver'sheadrest/seat or another appropriate place inside the vehicle. Thecontroller who receives signals from the sensors recognizes the driver'smotion relatively to the driver's headrest/seat and activates ordeactivates the FBSA and displays a real-time video of the camerasystem, which is mounted on the vehicle's fronthood/grill/bumper/lights/fenders in the vehicle's monitor, accordingly.

The FBSA contains a camera system with one the following layouts:

(1) a 180 degrees (minimum) camera for the front and side view;

(2) two cameras system, one for the right-front side of the vehicle andone for the left-front side of the vehicle; and

(3) a wide-angle view angle camera which provides a wide range picture,more than a monitor can show and the controller's software will choosethe appropriate framing and zooming for the optimum results.

One or more sensors placed on the back of the seat (or other suitablelocation) detect the movement relative to the seat's back or headrest.When the driver moves his head/upper body or performs body gestures, thesensor perceives the “body language” of the driver and sends informationto the controller, which compares the driver's movement to thepredefined body gestures and determines how to react. The controlleractivates the camera system and monitor to provide the driver with aview of the front and side view.

The present disclosure is a system that provides optical feedback to thedriver in case obstacles are blocking the view to the left or/and rightside of the vehicle.

The FBSA helps to increase safety level by providing adequate visiblefield when the vehicle is approaching a junction or exiting parkingspots or any other situation that the driver is not sure if it is safeto move forward.

The distance between the driver's head (eyes) and the vehicle's frontend is a total of the distance between the driver's head and the lowestpart of the windshield, plus the length of the hood plus the length ofthe grill/bumper. As a result, the driver's eyes are situated 1 m to 3 m(e.g., 2.6 m for BMW Z4) behind the vehicle's front bumper. Thisdistance varies by vehicle model and body type, as sport vehicles havelong hood and the driver's position is low while Sport Utility Vehicles(SUV) tend to have a shorter hood and higher driving position.

Consequently, when an obstacle is blocking the driver's view, the driveris forced to drive forward until his head has clear side view, but atthe same time part of the vehicle has moved into the junction with riskof side impact with, for example, a vehicle, bicycle or motorcycle.

In case of approaching a junction where visibility is limited due toobstacles, the driver's natural reaction is to lean forward to improvevisibility by altering his view angle. As a result, the distance betweendriver's torso/head and the back of the seat is increased.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the controller 1502 coupled to the positionsensor 1504 installed inside the cabin monitors the natural reactions ofthe driver to determine the driver's intent. The position sensor 1504provides measurements regarding the driver's position relatively to thevehicle seat/headrest. The position sensor 1504 may be a proximitysensor that registers distance between itself and an object (i.e., thedriver) or the position sensor 1504 may be an image sensor, such as aCCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, configured to register the driver'sposture, arm and hand gestures, and head movements. The image sensor mayfurther be configured to identify eye movements.

When the position sensor 1504 is an image sensor, the controller 1502can be configured to apply a “body language” deciphering algorithm tothe driver's motion patterns and gestures. As a consequence, thecontroller 1504 will be able to provide additional functionality basedon the driver's movements and gestures.

Moreover, the controller receives data from a speed sensor 1506 coupledto the driveshaft (not shown), or other appropriate structure, and agear sensor 1508 coupled to the vehicle's transmission, or otherappropriate structure. The speed sensor 1506 provides the controller1502 with data regarding the vehicle's current velocity. The gear sensor1510 provides data to the controller 1502 regarding whether the vehicleis in a reverse gear or a non-reverse gear (i.e., neutral or a forwardgear). The controller 1502 performs calculations, factoring in the datafrom the position sensor 1504, the speed sensor 1506 and gear sensor1510, to determine the driver's intention/need and engages theappropriate systems.

For example, if the gear sensor 1510 detects that the vehicle is in anon-reverse gear and the speed sensor 1506 detects the vehicle velocityto be below a speed threshold velocity of, for example 6 MPH, thecontroller 1502 will interpret a driver's forward leaning to beindicative of a situation in which an enhanced view of the forward ofthe vehicle is desired. Thus, the controller 1502 activates a forwardcamera 1514 and transmits images from the forward camera 1514 to adisplay 1512 situated so as to be viewable by the driver. However, ifthe speed sensor 1506 detects a vehicle velocity that exceeds the speedthreshold, the controller 1502 will ignore the detected forward leaningof the driver.

While the above example refers to a speed threshold of 6 MPH, otherappropriate values may be used instead as dictated both by practicalityand local traffic laws relating to a driver interaction with a livevideo display. For example, a speed threshold of 10 MPH may beconsidered appropriate. Conversely, the speed threshold may need to beset to 0 MPH in certain municipalities. Therefore, the presentdisclosure contemplates a speed threshold having any value between, andincluding, 0 MPH and 10 MPH to be within the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein. Additionally, the present embodiment describes aforward camera 1514 which, for example, may be a single camera capableof providing a wide field of view, preferably at least 180°. If theforward camera 1514 is a single wide-view camera, the camera shouldpreferably be angled at a 45° downward angle. Alternatively, the forwardcamera 1514 may be an assembly of several cameras, e.g., two camerasconfigured to provide an overlapping 180° view of an intersection, oreven a greater than 180° view.

Referring to FIG. 10, with a two-camera system, the cameras 1003 a and1003 b may be positioned at opposite corners of the forward portion ofthe vehicle. Alternatively, a third camera 1001 may be positioned on thefront of the vehicle 1000 centrally along the vehicle's long axis. Thecontroller 1502 may include a signal-processing module (not shown) toedit and combine the video received from the forward camera 1514 toprovide the driver with the best perception of the surroundings.

In an embodiment, the controller 1502 may be configured to selectindividual cameras of the forward camera 1514 in response to thedriver's movements, such that visibility is increased on the left side,right side, or full 180° view.

Moreover, in an embodiment the controller 1502 communicates with a GPSsystem (not shown) so that when the driver is close to an intersectionwith a one-way street, the system activates only the camera showing thedirection from which vehicles are expected to come.

The driver's motions are categorized in driving mode [D] (FIG. 3) inwhich a driver is seated with a normal posture; and the leaning forwardmode [LFM] (FIG. 4) in which the vehicle's speed is low (under 6 mph) orthe vehicle does not move at all, reverse gear is not engaged, and thedriver exhibits a forward leaning posture to gain better visibility.

When the driver is in driving mode [D] his head is placed close to theseat's headrest and the FBSA system is in standby mode. When the vehiclevelocity is low (e.g., under 6 mph), reverse gear is not selected andthe driver leans forward, the system activates the FBSA system and:

1) The front camera or side-front camera is activated, and

2) The vehicle's monitor input is switched to show video from thecamera.

The video provided by the front camera is a single plan showing left andright direction of the vehicle, covering at least 180 degrees, or acombination of two videos from two or more different video cameras(i.e., multi-camera configuration), one showing towards the left side ofthe vehicle and the other towards the right side of the vehicle. Thus,with respect to the present disclosure, it is understood that referenceto a “front camera” refers to any configuration of one or more forwardpositioned cameras, and is not intended to limit any embodimentdescribed herein to a singular front camera.

The multi-camera configuration is more effective in cases where thevehicle is approaching the intersection at an angle rather thanperpendicular to the intersecting street. The multi-camera configurationeliminates the risk of a blind spot on the side that the vehicle and theintersecting street form the smaller entering corner.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the driver 301 is approaching anintersection or exiting a parking spot and nearby obstacles are blockingthe view, the driver will tend to move towards the steering wheel. Thisis a natural movement of the driver 301. The system uses this naturalmovement as a body gesture, which activates the controller to engage thecamera and monitor. The result of the driver 301 leaning forward is thatthe distance between the head 301 and the headrest 401 is increased.

The position sensor 307, which can be placed on/under the headrest 303,or in another suitable position inside the vehicle's cabin, recognizesthe movement of the driver 301 and activates the front camera whichprovide the driver with improved visibility of the intersection withoutthe vehicle's grill significantly crossing the road line.

The position sensor 307 can be a proximity sensor, a camera or anothersuitable sensor as known in the art, which recognizes the alteration ofthe distance of the driver 301.

When the maneuver ends, the driver's head moves back to the deactivationthreshold position and the FB SA is set to standby mode. The “home”screen of the vehicle's multimedia system is restored and the frontcamera is deactivated.

Rear View Parking Assistance (RVPA)

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a Rear View ParkingAssistance (RVPA) that alters a driver's visible field, according to thedriver's needs, when driving in reverse or driving in reverse gear for aparking maneuver.

The RVPA system may implement the rear cameras using several methods,such as:

(1) a two-camera system, one for the distant rear view and the other onefor the closer rear obstacles;

(2) a camera with two signal outputs, one for the distant rear view andthe other one for the closer rear obstacles; and

(3) a wide-angle view angle camera which provides a wide range picture,more than a monitor can show, with the controller selecting theappropriate framing and zooming for the optimum results.

When the car moves in reverse, the rear camera provides a wide view ofthe rear side of the car, giving the driver the ability to see remoteobstacles. When the vehicle approaches the obstacle in a closerdistance, the controller alters the view's framing and the driver mayevaluate accurately the distance between the car's rear bumper and theobstacle(s).

The combination of altering the rear camera(s)′ view angle and thezooming of the rear image assists the driver to perform a reversemaneuver safer and faster by providing him with an overall visibility.

Referring back to FIG. 15, the RVPA is a system which monitors thedriver's position/motion to determine which visible field is morehelpful for the driver. Depending on the driver's movements, thecontroller 1502 adjusts the tilting angle of the one or more side-viewmirrors by controlling the side-view mirror adjustment motors 1520 inorder to increase the driver's visibility on the side and behind of thevehicle.

The driver's motions are categorized in driving mode [D], which consistsof the driving forward [DF] mode, the driving backwards [DB] mode, andthe reverse & parking mode [RP].

When the driver is in driving mode [D] his head is placed close to theseat's headrest, as shown in FIG. 3, and the gear sensor 1510 detectsthat the vehicle is in a forward gear. In this situation, the RVPAsystem is placed in standby mode by the controller 1502. In theembodiment of FIG. 3, the driver's head is shown to be located at adistance D1 designated by reference numeral 305.

When the driver places the vehicle in a reverse gear, the gear sensor1510 registers the change and provides the data to the controller 1502.The controller 1502 activates the rear camera (Normal-view) 1518 inorder to increase the driver's visibility behind the vehicle. The rearcamera (Normal-view) 1518 shows an image from the rear bumper 503 (See:FIG. 5) to the direction behind the vehicle as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

When the driver wishes to increase the side visibility of the vehicle,the driver leans forward (See: FIG. 4), moving his/her body closer tothe steering wheel such that the driver's head is located at a distanceD2, designated by reference numeral 401, which is greater than distanceD1. Thus, the distance 401 between the driver's head and the headrest303 is increased. The position sensor 307, placed on the headrest 303 orto other suitable place inside the vehicle's cabin, detects the movementof the driver 301, causing the controller 1502 to activate the side-viewmirror adjustment motors 1520 to alter the tilt of the one or moreside-view mirrors, as shown in FIG. 2. The altered tilt of the mirrorchanges the driver's view angle on the sides of the vehicle, therebyimproving the visibility of the driver 301 in a reverse parkingmaneuver. Additionally, the controller 1502 switches video feed to thedisplay 1512 from the rear camera (Normal-view) 1518 to the rear camera(Wide-view) 1516. The rear camera (Wide-view) 1516 provides a view ofthe rear of the vehicle closer to the bumper, such as shown in FIG. 8.

The position sensor 307 can be a proximity sensor, a camera or anothersensor, which recognizes the alteration of the distance of the driver'shead 301. More specifically, the sensor 307 is placed within thevehicle, e.g., inside the vehicle's cabin, and is configured todetermine the driver's head position relative to a predetermined ordesignated point in the vehicle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and4, the designated point is a surface of the headrest 303 as describedabove. The position of the sensor 307 depends on the type of vehicleand/or the vehicle manufacturer.

When the reverse or the parking maneuver ends, the driver 301 deselectsthe reverse gear, the RVPA is set to standby mode, the side mirrors arerestored in their original position and the rear camera 501 isdeactivated.

The present embodiment describes a rear camera (Normal-view) 1518 and arear camera (Wide-view) 1516 as separate cameras. However, a singlecamera can provide both the wide-view and the narrow-viewfunctionalities, either by electronically controlled optics or viasoftware-based image processing to crop a wide-view image such that onlythe normal-view is provided when appropriate. The zooming between thewide-view image and the normal-view image can be proportional to thedegree of forward movement of the driver beyond the activationthreshold.

In an embodiment, the controller 1502 provides a wide view and a narrowview to the display 1512 simultaneously, such that the video from boththe rear camera (Wide-view) 1516 and the rear camera (Normal-view) 1518are displayed in a split-screen view on the display 1512.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle's mirror tilting mechanism 107can be adjusted in two different positions, the driving mode [D], shownin FIG. 1, or the reverse and parking mode [RP], shown in FIG. 2.Alternatively, mirror tilting can be proportional to the driver's headdistance from the headrest 303.

In FIG. 1, the view angle of the driver 101 is illustrated when he/sheis driving forward or backwards. The mirror tilting mechanism 107 hasbeen set to the default settings that the driver 101 has arranged foreveryday use.

In FIG. 2, the difference in the driver's view angle is depicted whenthe driver changes from the driving position [D] to the reverse parkingposition [RP] which means that driver has pulled closer to the steeringwheel in order to see the obstacles which are not visible when in thedriving mode [D].

The display disclosed in the embodiments above may be the displayutilized for vehicle navigation, a display dedicated to providing thevehicle collision avoidance system, or any other appropriatelyconfigured video display device. In an embodiment, the display may beincorporated into the rearview mirror 309, shown in FIG. 3. The displaymay utilize any suitable display technology known to one of ordinaryskill in the art, for example OLED, LED, and ePaper, as appropriate.

Combined FBSA & RVPA

Referring to FIG. 12, an embodiment of the present disclosure performsthe process illustrated therein. In the present embodiment, a processfor providing vehicle collision avoidance begins once a driver turns theignition key to the accessory position, with initialization of a vehiclespeed sensor (S_((v))) at step 1202. In addition, a position sensor(S(p)) is initialized in step 1204. The position sensor (S_((p))) isconfigured to determine the position of the driver's head with respectto a predefined point on the driver's seat. As described above, in anembodiment of the present disclosure, the predefined point is located onthe driver's headrest. Further, a gear sensor (S_((g))) is initializedat step 1206. The gear sensor (S_((g))) determines the gear that thevehicle is in. Specifically, the gear sensor (S_((g))) determineswhether the vehicle is in a reverse gear or a non-reverse gear (i.e.,neutral or a forward gear).

The process proceeds to step 1208 where the process initializes a speedthreshold (T_((v))) above which the process will discontinue displayingcamera video to the driver. The purpose of the speed threshold (T_((v)))is to avoid distracting the driver during normal driving. Moreover, manystates in the United States of America prohibit displaying video feedsto a driver during normal driving as this is a significant distractionthat can lead to collisions. Thus, the speed threshold (T_((v))) is setto a value indicative of situations involving parking, pulling out of aparking space, cautiously entering an intersection or other similarscenarios. For example, in one embodiment the speed threshold (T_((v)))may be set to any value below 10 miles per hour, and in anotherembodiment the speed threshold (T_((v))) may be set to 5 miles per hour.

The process then proceeds to initialize position thresholds (T_((p)),T_((d))) in step 1210. The position activation threshold (T_((p))defines the minimum distance between the driver's head and thepredefined point on the driver's seat at which the process will activateeither the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system (See: FIG. 13) or theRear View Parking Assistance System (See: FIG. 14). The positiondeactivation threshold (T_((d))), on the other hand, defines a maximumdistance from the predefined point on the driver's seat at which theprocess will deactivate the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system or theRear View Parking Assistance System. Thus, the position deactivationthreshold (T_((d))) has a value less than the position activationthreshold (T_((p))).

Consequently, when a driver leans forward such that the driver's headsurpasses the position activation threshold (T_((p))), the collisionavoidance system activates in accordance with the present disclosure andremains active until the driver resumes a normal driving position onceagain as determined by the driver's head being closer to the predefinedpoint on the driver's seat than position deactivation threshold(T_((d))).

Upon completing the initialization steps 1202 through 1210, the processchecks whether the vehicle engine is on in step 1212. If the engine isnot on, the process enters a loop that either continuously orintermittently performs the check in step 1212. However, if the engineis on, the process proceeds to step 1214 where the position sensor(S_((p))) is read. In step 1216, the value read from the position sensor(S_((p))) is compared to the position activation threshold (T_((p))). Ifthe value read from the position sensor (S_((p))) is less than theposition activation threshold (T_((p))), the process enters a loopreturning back to step 1212.

Alternatively, if the value read from the position sensor (S_((p))) isgreater than or equal to the position activation threshold (T_((p))),the processes continues to step 1218. At step 1218 the process reads thevalue from the speed sensor (S_((v))). In step 1220 the value read fromthe speed sensor (S_((v))) is compared to the speed threshold (T_((v))).If the value read from the speed sensor (S_((v))) is greater than thespeed threshold (T_((v))), the process enters a loop returning back tostep 1212.

However, if in step 1220, the value read from the speed sensor (S_((v)))is less than or equal to the speed threshold (T_((v))), the processescontinues to step 1222. At step 1222, the gear position is read from thegear sensor (S_((g))), which is used to determine if the vehicle is in aforward gear or a reverse gear at step 1224. If the vehicle is inreverse gear, the process proceeds to step 1228 to activate the RearView Parking Assistance System, which is further described below inreference to FIG. 14. However, if the vehicle is not in reverse gear,the process proceeds to step 1226 to activate the Forward Blind SpotAssistance system, which is further described below in reference to FIG.13.

As apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the various sensors andactivations may be arranged in alternative configurations as appropriatefor a particular implementation. For example, the reverse gear check(step 1224) may be provided prior to the engine check (step 1212) suchthat the system immediately activates the reverse view camera uponplacing the vehicle in reverse gear regardless of the status of theengine. Moreover, two reverse gear checks may be provided one at aposition prior to the engine check (e.g., between steps 1210 and 1212)and one at the position shown in FIG. 12.

Further, the reverse gear check, as well as any or all of the othersensors checks, may operate in parallel, i.e., simultaneously andcontinuously, such that the present invention reacts to changes receivedfrom the sensors as they occur rather than being limited to a sequentialprocess flow as shown in FIG. 12 through 14. The above modifications, aswell as any other modification as known to one of ordinary skill in theart, are not considered as departing from the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the case where the process described above withreference to FIG. 12 determines that the vehicle is not in reverse gearin step 1224, the process continues to step 1226 where the Forward BlindSpot Assistance system is activated. Activation of the Forward BlindSpot Assistance system includes the step 1302 where the processdetermines if the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system is alreadyactive. If the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system is not alreadyactive, then the front-view camera system is activated in step 1304 andthe video signals therefrom are transmitted to a display viewable by thedriver in step 1322.

However, if the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system is already activein step 1302, the process reads the value from the position sensor(S_((p))) in step 1306. In step 1308 the value from the position sensor(S_((p))) is compared to the position deactivation threshold (T_((d))).If the value of the position sensor (S_((p))) is less than or equal tothe position deactivation threshold (T_((d))), the process proceeds tostep 1318 where the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system is deactivated.Deactivation of the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system includesdeactivating the front-view camera as well as any other supportingsystems. Once the Forward Blind Spot Assistance system is deactivatedthe process continues to step 1320, which loops back to step 1212 inFIG. 12.

However, if the value from the position sensor (S_((p))) is greater thanor exceeds the position deactivation threshold (T_((d))) in step 1308,the process continues to step 1310 where the value of the speed sensor(S_((v))) is read. The process then compares the value of the speedsensor (S_((v))) to the speed threshold (T_((v))) in step 1312. If thevalue of the speed sensor (S_((v))) exceeds the speed threshold(T_((v))), the process proceeds to step 1318 where the Forward BlindSpot Assistance system is deactivated. Once the Forward Blind SpotAssistance system is deactivated the process continues to step 1320,which loops back to step 1212 in FIG. 12.

However, if the value from the speed sensor (S_((v))) is less than orequal to the speed threshold (T_((v))) in step 1312, the processcontinues to step 1314 where the value of the gear sensor (S_((g))) isread. The process then determines if the gear sensor (S_((g))) indicatesthat the vehicle is in a forward gear, or in neutral, in step 1316. Ifthe vehicle is determined to be in a reverse gear (i.e., not in eitherneutral or a forward gear), the process proceeds to step 1318 where theForward Blind Spot Assistance system is deactivated. Once the ForwardBlind Spot Assistance system is deactivated the process continues tostep 1320, which loops back to step 1212 in FIG. 12.

If the vehicle is determined to be in a non-reverse gear (i.e., eitherneutral or a forward gear), the process proceeds to step 1322 where thevideo signals from the front view camera system continue to betransmitted to a display viewable by the driver, and the processcontinues as described above.

Referring to FIG. 14, in the case where the process described above withreference to FIG. 12 determines that the vehicle is in reverse gear instep 1224, the process continues to step 1228 where the Rear ViewParking Assistance system is activated. Activation of the Rear ViewParking Assistance system includes the step 1402 where the process readsthe position sensor (S_((p))).

After reading the position sensor (S_((p))) in step 1402, the processcompares the value of the position sensor (S_((p))) against the positiondeactivation threshold (T_((d))) in step 1404. If the position sensor(S_((p))) is less than or equal to the position deactivation threshold(T_((d))) in step 1404, the process proceeds to step 1406 where the RearView Parking Assistance system is deactivated and the process continuesto step 1408 returning to step 1212 in FIG. 12. When the Rear ViewParking Assistance system is deactivated, the side view mirrors arereadjusted back to a normal driving configuration and the wide view andthe normal view rear cameras are deactivated as well.

Alternatively, if the position sensor (S_((p))) is greater than theposition deactivation threshold (T_((d))) in step 1404, the processproceeds to step 1410. At step 1410, the value of the position sensor(S_((p))) is compared against the position activation threshold(T_((p))). If the position sensor (S_((p))) is greater than or equal tothe position activation threshold (T_((p))) then the process continuesto step 1412. At step 1412 the process activates the wide view rearcamera. The wide view rear camera allows the driver to visualize thearea of the vehicle near the rear bumper. Next, the process controls theelectric mirror adjustment motor 107 (see: FIG. 2), situated in aside-view mirror housing 103, to adjust the side-view mirror 105 to apark setting in step 1414. In the park setting, the side-view mirror isaimed such that the driver 201 has a clear view of the ground at therear side of the vehicle. The present embodiment may include one or moreside-view mirrors. The process then proceeds to step 1416 where therear-view camera system transmits video signals to a display viewable bythe driver.

Additionally, the process reads the state of the gear sensor (S_((g)))in step 1422. Based on the state of the gear sensor (S_((g))) theprocess determines if the vehicle is still in reverse gear in step 1424.If the vehicle is no longer in reverse gear the process proceeds to step1406 and deactivates the Rear View Parking Assistance system. When theRear View Parking Assistance system is deactivated, the side viewmirrors are readjusted back to a normal driving configuration and thewide view and normal view rear cameras are deactivated as well. Theprocess then continues to step 1408, which loops the process back tostep 1212 in FIG. 12. Alternatively, if the vehicle remains in reversegear as determined in step 1424, the process continues onto step 1402and proceeds as described above.

If the position sensor (S_((p))) is less than the position activationthreshold (T_((p))) then the process continues to step 1418. At step1418 the process activates the normal view rear camera. The normal viewrear camera allows the driver to visualize obstacles in a wide areabehind the vehicle that could cause a collision while the vehicle isbacking up. Next, the process controls the electric mirror adjustmentmotor 107 (see: FIG. 1), situated in a side-view mirror housing 103, toadjust the side-view mirror 105 to a default drive setting in step 1420.In the default drive setting the side-view mirror 105 provides thedriver 101 with a clear view along the side of the vehicle. The processproceeds to step 1416 where the rear-view camera system transmits videosignals to the display viewable by the driver.

Additionally, the process reads the state of the gear sensor (S_((g)))in step 1422. Based on the state of the gear sensor (S_((g))) theprocess determines if the vehicle is still in reverse gear in step 1424.If the vehicle is no longer in reverse gear the process proceeds to step1406 and deactivates the Rear View Parking Assistance system. When theRear View Parking Assistance system is deactivated, the side viewmirrors are readjusted back to a normal driving configuration and thewide view and the normal view rear cameras are deactivated as well. Theprocess then continues to step 1408, which loops the process back tostep 1212 in FIG. 12. Alternatively, if the vehicle remains in reversegear as determined in step 1424, the process continues onto step 1426.

At step 1426, the process reads the state of the speed sensor (S_((v))).Based on the state of the speed sensor (S_((v))) the process determinesif the vehicle is still below the speed threshold (T_((v))) in step1428. If the vehicle is no longer below the speed threshold (T_((v))),the process proceeds to step 1418. If the vehicle speed is over thespeed threshold (T_((v))), the system switches to normal view rearcamera. Alternatively, if the vehicle remains below the speed threshold(T_((v))) as determined in step 1428, the process continues onto step1402 and proceeds as described above.

The Rear View Parking Assistance system continues operating until thevehicle is shifted out of reverse gear as determined in step 1424 or theposition sensor (S_((p))) returns a value less than or equal to theposition deactivation threshold (T_((d))) in step 1404.

Those of ordinary skill would appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Toclearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the describedfunctionality in varying ways for each particular application, but suchimplementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital SignalProcessor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), aField Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flashmemory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM),Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, aremovable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known inthe art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor suchthat the processor can read information from, and write information to,the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may beintegral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium mayreside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In thealternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discretecomponents in a user terminal.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over as one or more instructions or code on acomputer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computerstorage media and communication media including any medium thatfacilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Astorage media may be any available media that can be accessed by acomputer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readablemedia can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium that can be used to store desired program code in the formof instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by acomputer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readablemedium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website,server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologiessuch as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiberoptic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such asinfrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium.Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc,optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blue-raydisc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discsreproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above shouldalso be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

The previous description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments isprovided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use thepresent disclosure. Various modifications to these exemplary embodimentswill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the genericprinciples defined herein may be applied to other embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the presentdisclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown hereinbut is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principlesand novel features disclosed herein.

1. A vehicle collision avoidance system comprising: a camera disposed ona vehicle and arranged to monitor at least one collision prone regionadjacent to said vehicle; a sensor positioned within said vehicle andarranged to determine a driver's head position relative to a designatedpoint in said vehicle; a display disposed in view of said driver, saiddisplay coupled to said camera; and a controller configured to controloperation of said sensor, said camera and said display, the controllerbeing configured to activate said display and said camera to displaysaid at least one collision prone region adjacent to said vehicle whensaid sensor detects that said driver's head is beyond a thresholddistance from said designated point.
 2. The vehicle collision avoidancesystem as in claim 1, wherein said camera is a wide field of view cameradisposed on a rear area of said vehicle and arranged to image an areanear a rear bumper of the vehicle.
 3. The vehicle collision avoidancesystem as in claim 2, further comprising a normal field of view cameradisposed on a rear area of said vehicle and arranged to image the areabehind said vehicle, said normal field of view camera being coupled tosaid display and operationally controlled by said controller.
 4. Thevehicle collision avoidance system as in claim 3, wherein said widefield of view camera and said normal field of view camera are providedin a single camera with a field of view adjustable by said controller.5. The vehicle collision avoidance system as in claim 1, furthercomprising an electronically adjustable side-view mirror, wherein saidside-view mirror is controllably adjusted by said controller in responseto said driver's head position.
 6. The vehicle collision avoidancesystem as in claim 1, wherein said camera is disposed at a forward areaof said vehicle and arranged to image a region encompassing both sidesof said vehicle forward of a front of said vehicle.
 7. A vehiclecollision avoidance method for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of:detecting a body movement by a driver; evaluating said body movement todetermine if said body movement exceeds a threshold distance; andactivating a collision avoidance process when said body movement exceedssaid threshold distance.
 8. The method as in claim 7, wherein said bodymovement is a forward-leaning movement, and said threshold distance ismeasured from a driver's seat headrest.
 9. The method as in claim 8,wherein said collision avoidance process further comprising the stepsof: detecting whether said motor vehicle is in a non-reverse gear;activating a front-view camera when said motor vehicle is in saidnon-reverse gear; and transmitting a video signal from said front-viewcamera to a display viewable by said driver.
 10. The method as in claim9, wherein said front-view camera has at least a 180° field of viewforward of said motor vehicle.
 11. The method as in claim 10, whereinsaid front-view camera comprises a plurality of cameras configured toprovide said 180° field of view.
 12. The method as in claim 8, whereinsaid collision avoidance process further comprising the steps of:detecting whether said motor vehicle is in a reverse gear; activating arear-view camera when said motor vehicle is in said reverse gear; andtransmitting a video signal from said rear-view camera to a displayviewable by said driver.
 13. The method as in claim 12, wherein saidrear-view camera is configured to provide view behind said motorvehicle.
 14. The method as in claim 13, further comprising the steps of:processing said video signals to provide a normal view to said driverwhen said body motion is less that said threshold distance and greaterthan a second threshold distance; and processing said video signals toprovide a wide angle view to said driver when said body motion exceedssaid threshold distance.
 15. The method as in claim 14, furthercomprising the steps of: adjusting a side-view mirror to provide a sideparking view to said driver when said body motion exceeds said thresholddistance; and adjusting said side-view mirror to provide a normaldriving view to said driver when said body motion is less that saidthreshold distance and greater than said second threshold distance. 16.A vehicle collision avoidance system, comprising: a first sensorconfigured to determine a distance between a driver and a surface of aseat; a second sensor configured to detect a transmission gearselection; a third sensor configured to sense a traveling velocity ofsaid vehicle; a first camera system positioned at a front-most positionon said vehicle and oriented to image an area encompassing at least 180°around the front of said vehicle; a second camera system positioned at arear-most position on said vehicle; a display adapted to display videoto said driver; a controller in electrical communication with said firstsensor, said second sensor, said third sensor, said first camera system,said second camera system, and said display, the controller beingconfigured to provide video feeds from said first camera system and saidsecond camera system based on an analysis of data provided to thecontroller by said first sensor, said second sensor, said third sensor;and an energy source configured to energize said first sensor, saidsecond sensor, said third sensor, said first camera system, said secondcamera system, said display and said controller.
 17. The system as inclaim 16, wherein said analysis of data comprises the first, second andthird sensors being configured to: determine if said distance betweensaid driver and said surface of said seat exceeds a first threshold;detect if said transmission gear is a reverse gear; and sense if saidtraveling velocity of said vehicle is below 6 MPH.
 18. The system as inclaim 17, wherein said controller selectively provides said video feedfrom said first camera system to said display when said distance betweensaid driver and said surface of said seat exceeds said first threshold,said transmission gear is not in said reverse gear, and said travelingvelocity of said vehicle is below 6 MPH.
 19. The system as in claim 17,wherein said controller selectively provides said video feed from saidsecond camera system to said display when said distance between saiddriver and said surface of said seat exceeds said first threshold, saidtransmission gear is in said reverse gear, and said traveling velocityof said vehicle is below 6 MPH.
 20. The system as in claim 17, furthercomprising a side-view mirror adjustment motor controlled by saidcontroller, wherein said controller drives said side-view mirroradjustment motor to adjust a side-view mirror to a default position whensaid traveling velocity of said vehicle is above 6 MPH, and saidcontroller drives said side-view mirror adjustment motor to adjust aside-view mirror to a reverse parking position when said distancebetween said driver and said surface of said seat exceeds said firstthreshold, said transmission gear is in said reverse gear, and saidtraveling velocity of said vehicle is below 6 MPH.